Hangzhou Weather in April

April weather around West Lake

April feels mild, but the weather can turn damp. Days reach about 22°C, while evenings cool to around 11°C. Rain falls on 12 days, and the sky is often cloudy, so keep outdoor plans flexible.

It's a good month for a West Lake walk or a boat ride when the weather clears. You can also visit Lingyin Temple without summer's heavier heat. Long, wet spells can make a full day outdoors less pleasant, and muddy paths aren't ideal for hiking. Save a rainy afternoon for the China National Tea Museum.

Qingming and spring crowds

Qingming, the tomb-sweeping holiday, usually falls in early April. Families visit graves, and popular sights around Hangzhou can get busier, especially during the holiday break. Spring tea picking is also underway in the hills near Longjing village.

If you hate crowds, visit West Lake on a weekday and avoid the Qingming travel rush. April is generally busier and pricier than the quieter winter months, but usually less intense than October, one of Hangzhou's most popular months.

Make room for Longjing tea

April's damp spells don't have to spoil a visit. Pair an outdoor stop with a nearby indoor sight, then return to the lake when the clouds lift. The weather is cooler than May, which brings warmer days and more rain.

Travelling with kids? Keep a rainy-day visit to the China National Tea Museum in reserve.

For a local outing, take a bus towards Longjing village and walk among the tea fields. Fresh spring Longjing tea is a seasonal treat; try a cup in a village teahouse after your walk. Check the route before you set out, as the hills can make a short map distance feel longer.